After a thorough education in law, at the age of 26, John of
Capistrano became governor of the Italian city of Perugia. During his administration, war swept through
his region of Italy, John went to his enemies to broker peace, but his enemies captured
him and threw him into prison. But
there, something remarkable happened. He
experienced a deep conversion to Christ.
As a result of his conversion, around the year 1406, John
entered religious life as a member of the Franciscan Order, itself already 200
years old.
After his conversion, Friar John became one of the greatest
preachers of the 15th century.
When he was not preaching, John was writing tracts against heresy of
every kind.
In 1453, Constantinople, the capital of Christian Byzantium,
fell to the Ottoman Turks. They slaughtered thousands of Christians and
desecrated the holy places.
That following year Pope Callixtus III sent John, who was
already 70 years old, to rally the people to repel the Muslim Turkish invasion.
St. John went through the towns and villages of Bavaria and Austria, then
Hungary, raising a mostly peasant army of 30,000. These forces joined at
Belgrade with those of János Hunyadi, the great Hungarian general known as the
“Scourge of the Turks.” With an army of 60,000, they confronted a Turk army of
over 100,000.
The Turks were overwhelmed by the charge and
scattered. So, not only did St. John successfully raise an army of troops
to defend Europe, he led troops in battle. St. John became known as “The
Soldier Priest”, and is now invoked as the patron saint of military chaplains.
As we honor St. John, we recognize that war brings terrible
suffering, and we pray for those who must protect others amid its dangers. We
pray especially for military chaplains, who bring the sacraments, spiritual
counsel, and the consolation of Christ to those serving far from home. Their
ministry reminds us that even amid conflict, we remain bound by God’s
commandments and the duty to respect human dignity.
For our own spiritual lives, consider the courage John first
needed in that prison cell: the courage to repent, to surrender his ambitions,
and to let Christ give his life a new direction. Before he rallied others, he
himself had to answer the Lord’s call.
That is a courage each of us needs. We live in an age where many
have great boldness in defending their opinions on the internet, yet lack real
courage to admit sin. We may be willing to defend our opinions vigorously, yet
hesitate to admit our sins.
The Christian life requires each of us to seek personal
conversion by resisting temptation, defending the mistreated, speaking the
truth with charity, and giving of ourselves when it is costly.
John’s willingness to rally and lead an army at the age of
70 certainly challenges our excuses. Whatever our age or circumstances, God
still gives us opportunities to serve him and our neighbor.
Through St. John’s intercession, may we have courage to
repent, generosity to serve, and perseverance in doing good. May the Lord
protect those in danger, strengthen those who minister to them, and guide all
nations into the ways of justice and peace—for the glory of God and the
salvation of souls.
For unity in the Church, faithfulness to
right teaching, detachment from worldly vices, generosity in the works of
charity, and courage in the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Through the intercession of St. John
Capistrano, that the imprisoned may come, like him, to conversion to Christ and
seek a life of holiness.
For all victims of war, for peace in the Holy
Land and all places threatened by violence. May God come to the assistance of
the communities and families devastated by the horrors of terrorism and war;
and may world leaders work together for peace.
For all military chaplains and for the safety
of all those who serve and protect us.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship
or sorrow, isolation, addiction, or disease: that they may know God’s
consolation, healing, and grace.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved
dead, the deceased members of our families friends and parishes, for those who
fought and died for our freedom, and for N. for whom this mass is offered.
Graciously grant our petitions, we beseech
thee, O Lord; may your grace sustain us always in your service, through Christ
Our Lord.
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